Ebikes are growing in popularity across the ACT, offering a green, efficient and fun way to get around—and even into our parks and trails. But they’re governed by specific rules. Whether you’re commuting, running errands or teaching the kids, here’s your complete guide to the ACT’s e-bike laws on:
- Helmet requirements
- Motor wattage limits
- Pillion passengers & age limits
- Where you can (and can’t) ride
- Speed limits & rules
- Children riding ebikes
NB: This article is for guidance only. Always check the official ACT Government links below for the latest regulations.
1. Do You Need to Wear a Helmet on an Ebike in the ACT?
Yes—helmets are compulsory for all riders and passengers on bicycles and ebikes in the ACT.
“In the ACT, every person riding a bike or a personal mobility device must wear a helmet. Helmets must meet AS/NZS 2063:2008.”
— Dockless Shared Micromobility Guidelines Transport Canberra
This applies on roads, bike lanes, shared paths, footpaths, and in off-road reserves. Passengers in child seats or trailers must also wear an approved helmet.
2. What Is the Legal Wattage for Ebikes in the ACT?
The ACT’s cycling rules apply to bicycles and ebikes only if they have a motor output no greater than 200 watts. Devices above 200 W are treated as motor vehicles and cannot use bicycle paths.
“These rules apply to bicycles, e-bikes, tricycles, pedicabs and similar modes of transport. They do not apply to … vehicles with … power output over 200 watts.”
— Transport Canberra: Cycling Transport Canberra
Ebikes over 200 W must be registered, carry a licence plate, and ridden under motor-vehicle regulations.
3. Can You Carry a Pillion Passenger on an Ebike?
Yes—but only if:
- The bicycle is designed to carry a passenger (for example, fitted with a tandem seat, dedicated pillion seat, or approved trailer).
- Footrests are provided for the passenger (unless seated in a child trailer).
- Both rider and passenger wear approved helmets.
There is no ACT-specific rule forbidding bicycle pillions, but all passengers must be accommodated safely. Riding with someone perched on frame tubes or handlebars is illegal and dangerous.
4. What Are the Age Limits for Riding with a Pillion Passenger?
- Children under 1 year old: Not permitted on any bicycle or trailer.
- Children 1 year and older: May be carried in an approved child bike seat or trailer, wearing an approved helmet.
“Children under 1 year old cannot be carried on a bicycle or bicycle trailer.”
— Transport Canberra: Cycling Transport Canberra
There is no minimum rider age to carry a non-child passenger—provided the bike is purpose-built for two.
5. Where Can You Ride an Ebike in the ACT?
Ebikes that meet the wattage limit and have working pedals are treated identically to push-bikes:
| Location | Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roads | ✅ | Obey all road rules (no highways) |
| Bike lanes | ✅ | |
| Shared paths & cycleways | ✅ | Give way to pedestrians; keep left |
| Footpaths | ✅ | No state-wide ban—ride courteously |
| Off-road reserves | ✅ | Ebikes ≤250 W allowed (see below) |
“Ebikes including pedalecs, with no more than 250 watts output, may be used wherever bicycles are permitted.”
— Parks ACT: Cycling and mountain bike riding ACT Parks
Note: In Nature Conservation reserves, some trails may be designated bike-free—always check local signage.
6. What Are the Speed Limits for Ebikes?
- Motor assistance must cut out at 25 km/h (for pedal-assist models).
- Under human power, riders may exceed 25 km/h.
- On shared paths and footpaths, there is no fixed speed limit—but you must ride at a safe, appropriate speed and give way to pedestrians Transport Canberra.
Excessive speed in mixed-use areas can lead to fines and endanger others.
7. Can Children Legally Ride Ebikes in the ACT?
There is no minimum legal age for riding an ebike in the ACT—but:
- Children should use ≤200 W models only.
- Under 16 years: ride in safe areas and preferably under adult supervision.
- All riders (any age) must wear a helmet and obey standard road rules.
“Children under the age of 12 must not use a personal mobility device without adult supervision.”
— E-scooters & mobility devices Transport Canberra
Parents should ensure their child can safely control the e-bike before unsupervised rides.
8. Quick Summary of ACT Ebike Laws
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Helmet | Required for all riders & passengers Transport Canberra |
| Motor power | ≤200 W (bicycle rules) |
| Motor cut-out speed | 25 km/h (for pedal-assist) |
| Pillion passengers | Only on purpose-built seats/trailers; helmets & footrests needed |
| Child passengers | ≥1 year old; in approved seat/trailer; helmet required |
| Where to ride | Roads, bike lanes, shared paths, footpaths, most off-road trails |
| Speed rules | Motor off >25 km/h; safe speed on shared paths |
| Children riding | No min. age; ≤200 W; helmet & supervision recommended |
9. Official Government References
- Transport Canberra: Cycling (bicycles & ebikes)
https://www.transport.act.gov.au/travel-options/walking-and-cycling/cycling Transport Canberra - Dockless Shared Micromobility Guidelines (helmets & device standards)
https://www.transport.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/1573801/Dockless-Shared-Micromobility-Guidelines.pdf Transport Canberra - Parks ACT: Cycling & mountain bike riding (off-road e-bike rules)
https://www.parks.act.gov.au/things-to-do/cycling-and-mountain-bike-riding ACT Parks - Transport Canberra: E-scooters & mobility devices (children & shared-path safety)
https://www.transport.act.gov.au/travel-options/walking-and-cycling/e-scooters Transport Canberra
Enjoy exploring the ACT on two (electric) wheels—safely and legally!
FAQs
Are ebikes legal in the ACT? Yes, ebikes are legal in the ACT and treated as bicycles when the motor meets the legal output limits. A bicycle-classed ebike has a motor rated at 200W continuous power or less, while EN 15194-certified Pedelecs (EPACs) up to 250W are also permitted under ACT cycling rules. No licence, registration, or insurance is required for compliant ebikes.
What is the legal motor wattage for ebikes in the ACT? The legal motor wattage for ebikes in the ACT is 200W continuous power for standard bicycles and up to 250W for EN 15194-certified Pedelecs. Ebikes exceeding these limits are classified as motor vehicles, require registration and a licence plate, and cannot be ridden on bike paths or shared paths. The motor must cut out at 25 km/h.
Do I need a licence or registration to ride an ebike in the ACT? No licence or registration is required to ride a compliant ebike in the ACT. The ebike must have a motor rated at 200W or less, or be an EN 15194-certified Pedelec rated at 250W or less, with motor cut-off at 25 km/h. Ebikes above these limits are treated as motor vehicles under ACT road law.
Are helmets compulsory on ebikes in the ACT? Yes, helmets are compulsory for all ebike riders and passengers in the ACT. Helmets must meet the AS/NZS 2063:2008 standard and be correctly fitted and fastened. The rule applies on roads, bike lanes, shared paths, footpaths, and off-road reserves, and includes children carried in approved seats or trailers.
Can I ride my ebike on footpaths in the ACT? Yes, you can ride a compliant ebike on footpaths in the ACT. The ACT permits all ages to ride bicycles and ebikes on footpaths, unlike NSW and VIC which restrict adult footpath riding. Riders must give way to pedestrians, keep left where practical, and travel at a safe speed for the conditions.
Where can I ride an ebike on off-road trails in the ACT? Compliant ebikes up to 250W can be ridden wherever bicycles are permitted in the ACT, including most ACT Parks trails and off-road reserves. Some Nature Conservation reserves restrict bike access on specific trails, so check local signage before riding. Ebikes over 250W are not permitted on any off-road bike trails in ACT public reserves.
Can I carry a passenger on my ebike in the ACT? Yes, you can carry a passenger on an ebike in the ACT, but only if the bike is designed for it. The ebike must have a dedicated seat (tandem, child seat, or approved trailer), footrests for the passenger unless seated in a trailer, and both rider and passenger must wear approved helmets. Children under 1 year old cannot be carried on an ebike or trailer.
What is the speed limit for ebikes in the ACT? The motor on an ebike in the ACT must cut out at 25 km/h, but there is no upper speed limit on human pedal power alone. On shared paths and footpaths there is no fixed speed limit, but riders must travel at a safe speed appropriate to the conditions and give way to pedestrians. Excessive speed in mixed-use areas can result in fines.
Can children ride ebikes in the ACT? Yes, there is no minimum legal age for riding an ebike in the ACT. Children must wear an approved helmet at all times, and personal mobility devices (a separate category to ebikes) require adult supervision for children under 12. Children should ride 200W or lower bikes and ride under adult supervision until competent.